SEN & Disabilities

The mission of the HSAEL SEND department is for every child, including those with additional challenges, to become a leader in their chosen field, with the opportunity to lead in science, technology, engineering and maths.

For students with additional needs and disabilities, this means:

• Students with additional needs and disabilities have excellent attendance.
• Students with additional needs and disabilities make as much academic progress as students without additional challenges.  
• Students with additional needs and disabilities transition to an appropriate pathway that will help them to fulfil their ambitions.
• Students with additional needs and disabilities develop the character to help them stand shoulder to shoulder with students from more advantaged backgrounds and contexts.

Our philosophy for SEND

Our approach to supporting students with additional needs and disabilities is underpinned by the following principles:

• The most powerful intervention is excellent teaching. SEND students’ needs should be primarily met in the classroom, taught by a well-trained, highly effective subject experts. We choose approaches for all students that have a disproportionately positive impact on students with additional needs and disabilities.
• All children are entitled to a fully academic curriculum to age 16, because we believe it is this academic curriculum that will provide them with the knowledge required to be a changemaker of the future. We do not replace academic subjects with vocational qualifications, ‘water down’ the content for SEND students or narrow their curriculum.
• Students never caught up by falling further behind. We do not withdraw students from academic lessons for time-bound interventions. Interventions are in addition to and not instead of our core academic offer. Additional interventions should follow a graduated approach, following the ‘assess, plan, do, review’ cycle
• All students are capable of exemplary behaviour with the right support. We therefore offer high expectations for every child, delivered with warmth and kindness. We want students to enjoy their experience of school and know their teachers care for them deeply.  

We never lower the bar for vulnerable students. Rather, we vary the level of support required to ensure that all students can change the world.

HSAEL SEND Team

SENCO: Ms Sarkar (SEND@harrisscienceeastlondon.org.uk)

The SENCo is supported by an able team of higher-level teaching assistants, teaching assistants, apprentices and specialist external agencies.

SEND support available in your area:

• Newham SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Independent Advice Service) for knowledge, advice and support based on SEND statutory processes and duties, EHCPs, exclusions and meeting support. 
• Newham Local Offer – for links to information, advice and opportunities for SEND families.  
• Newham Child and Adolescent Mental Health service – for information on mental health support for young people in Newham. 
• National Autistic Society – the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families.  

 

Research underpinning our approach:

Our approach to SEND support is underpinned by national guidance, educational research and the work of other schools who secure excellent outcomes for students with SEND.

Outstanding schools that have influenced our approach:

• Michaela Community School
• Forest Gate Community School
• High performing Harris Academies
• Ark Greenwich Free School
• Mossbourne Community School

Research that has influenced our approach:

• Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) recommendations on SEND in mainstream schools (here).
• EEF guidance report on Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants (here)
• EEF guide on improving SEND outcomes (here)

National guidance/ legislation underpinning our approach:

• Equality Act 2010: advice for schools DfE Feb 2013

• SEND Code of Practice 0 – 25 (June 2014)

• School Admissions Code of Practice

• The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 (linked to clause 64)

• Schools SEND Information Report Regulations (2014)

• Statutory Guidance on Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions (April 2014)

• The National Curriculum in England framework document (September 2013)

• Teachers Standards 2014

• The Children’s and Families Act 2014

What to do if you are concerned.

Your child’s tutor is your first point of contact if you have any concerns about your child’s learning. It is likely that the tutor will have discussed your concerns with the Academy SENCo. To contact your child’s tutor, please email info@harrisscienceeastlondon.org.uk.

You may wish to arrange a meeting with the SENCo, Ms Sarkar. Her contact details are: SEND@harrisscienceeastlondon.org.uk, 020 8981 2680.

If you continue to have concerns, arrange to discuss these with Mr MacPherson, Principal. You can contact him by emailing k.vunzi@harrisscienceeastlondon.org.uk.

As a last resort, you may wish to speak to the Link SEND Governor, Ms E Whiteside.